Chisos Basin Construction Projects to Begin May 1

News Release Date:
October 16, 2024

Contact:Tom VandenBerg

BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, TX - Thanks to funding from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund, construction work on significant improvements to the Chisos Basin area of the park is expected to begin May 1, 2025 and continue for approximately two years. As work begins, the Chisos Basin area will be closed to visitor entry. This includes the Basin Road, lodging units, Basin Campground, restaurant, NPS visitor center, camper store, and trails within the Basin area. This work will ONLY affect the Chisos Basin area of Big Bend National Park. As major components are completed, park managers will assess which areas can be safely reopened to regular public access.

Big Bend National Park will remain OPEN year-round with over 800,000 acres of canyons, desert, historic sites, diverse wildlife, scenic drives, backcountry roads, and over 150 miles of hiking trails for visitors from around the world to enjoy.

Pardon Our Dust:
Construction crews will be demolishing the main Chisos Basin Lodge building and constructing a new Lodge within the footprint of the original building. This new facility will offer a high-quality visitor experience and include a new dining room, lobby, convenience store, restrooms, and outdoor terrace. Simultaneously, the network of old inefficient water lines, storage tanks, hydrants, and water treatment systems will be replaced throughout the entire Chisos Basin area, to include the campground, hotel units, visitor center, public restrooms, employee housing and historic cottages. More efficient fixtures will also be installed in buildings throughout the system, including the kitchen, motel units and restrooms. A rainwater harvesting system has been designed to substantially reduce the Basin area's overall water demand.

Closure of the Basin during demolition and construction of the new Lodge makes this an ideal time to also address additional improvements for visitor access and safety. This includes upgrades to bring infrastructure up to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) specifications, as well as efforts to streamline and improve the overall efficiency and appearance of the area for the visiting public. Planned upgrades include expanding the restrooms at the Visitor Center, new Visitor Center exhibits and trailhead kiosk, demolishing the current Camper Store, and providing electric vehicle charging stations in the main parking lot. Pathways connecting the Motel units and Visitor Center to the new Lodge will be reconfigured to provide a more cohesive system of accessible paths between all major public facilities within the Basin.

"It is a great time for Big Bend to see these much-needed infrastructure and facility improvements," said Park Superintendent Anjna O'Connor. "We're excited to finally begin work on a well-engineered facility that fits the landscape and meets high standards for energy, water, and operational efficiency to better serve the visitors of today and tomorrow."

GAOA is part of a concentrated effort to address deferred maintenance and repair needs in national parks throughout the country. Supported by revenue from energy development, GAOA provides the NPS with up to $1.3 billion per year for five years to make significant enhancements in national parks to ensure their preservation and provide opportunities for recreation, education, and enjoyment for current and future visitors.

Follow Along:
Regular updates, FAQ, artist renderings, photos, and the latest status on access to the Chisos Basin will be posted on Big Bend National Park social media, and at: https://go.nps.gov/chisosbasinfuture

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will the Chisos Basin area of the park be closed?
Work is scheduled to begin on May 1, 2025 and continue for approximately 2 years. As major components are completed, park managers will assess which areas may be safely reopened to regular public access

Will I be able to drive to the Chisos Basin?
No, when construction begins, the Chisos Basin Road will be closed. There will be no visitor access to the Chisos Basin developed area. This includes the store, restaurant, lodge, visitor center, and campground.

Will I still be able to hike trails in the Chisos Mountains?
When construction begins, the road to the Chisos Basin will be closed. Trails that begin in the Chisos Basin will not be accessible (including the Lost Mine Trail and Window Trail). High Chisos destinations (Emory Peak, South Rim, East Rim) will still be accessible from trails that originate outside the Chisos Basin.

Will I be still able to hike the 30-mile Outer Mountain Loop?
Yes, for the duly-prepared desert backpacker, this route is possible starting from outside the Chisos Basin at either Blue Creek or Juniper Canyon (backcountry permit required).

If the Chisos Mountains restaurant is closed, where will I be able to get food?
The camper stores at Panther Junction, Rio Grande Village, and Castolon offer limited food, snacks, and drinks. The park concessioner, Aramark is exploring options for food trucks at various park locations. There are a variety of restaurants and a grocery store in nearby Terlingua/Study Butte.

If the Chisos Mountains Lodge is closed, where can I stay?
Lodging is available in nearby gateway communities such as Terlingua, Study Butte, Lajitas, Alpine and Marathon. Camping is another option.

If the Chisos Basin is closed, what else can I do in Big Bend National Park?
There are almost limitless opportunities. Big Bend National Park remains open year-round 24/7. Visitors come from around the world for desert exploration, camping, scenic drives, hiking, backpacking, birdwatching, river trips, visiting Boquillas, Mexico, and enjoying the beauty and history of West Texas.

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